How to make your own soap in just a few easy steps
If you’ve now perfected the sourdough and banana bread and are wondering what to do next, why not try your hand at your very own, homemade, natural soap? Kills boredom and germs – it’s a win-win.
Seven recipes from around the world to try in lockdown
Mahmoul. Photo: SBS Food Channel
Sick of scrolling through an Instagram feed stuffed to the brim with banana bread and sour dough pizza? It’s time to try cooking something new. We’re whisking you off on a whistle-stop tour around the globe, picking out only the tastiest dishes from the countries we work in.
1. Kanda from the Central African Republic
Kanda. Photo: Tara's Multicultural Table
Nothing says satisfying like a hearty bowl of meatballs and rice. Making use of fridge staples like ground beef and crushed tomatoes, this dish from the Central African Republic may seem familiar, but an unusual ingredient turns it from average to awesome – pumpkin seeds.
2. Red daal from Bangladesh
Daal. Photo: Craig Lee, New York Times
Lentils are cheap, nutritious and full of protein – making them a delectable substitute if you’re attempting Meatless May this year. These little legumes only require a few ingredients to truly shine and are a staple in Bangladeshi cuisine, eaten as a side dish with rice and vegetable curries.
3. Squash and peanut stew from Chad
Peanut and Squash stew. Photo: Food52
Lamenting the days where you grazed on salt-sprinkled bowls of peanuts at the pub quiz? Fill the void with this rich, filling stew; it’s simple to make and packs a punch with bold flavours that may tempt you to step out of your comfort zone.
4. Makhlama Lahm from Iraq
Makhlama. Photo: The Cozy Home Chronicles
Searching for new breakfast inspiration? Please give a warm welcome to this comforting Iraqi dish, a distant cousin of shakshuka. Coming at you with spice and a simmer, this one-pan wonder simply means ‘eggs in tomato sauce’ – although ground beef is a popular addition to the mix.
5. Doro Wat from Ethiopia
Doro Wat. Photo: New York Times Cooking
Behold the national dish of Ethiopia! A sweet and spicy chicken stew, this will get your taste buds tingling and uses ingredients you should be able to find in most shops. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try scooping it up with some injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread.
6. Mahmool from Lebanon
Mahmoul. Photo: SBS Food Channel
This Lebanese biscuit may look unassuming, but one bite will show you otherwise. Filled with a smooth date mixture, these shortbread sweets dusted with icing sugar melt in the mouth. This dessert is traditionally made to celebrate Eid and uses special carved wooden moulds to make sure every biscuit come out looking perfectly tempting.
7. Lokum from Turkey
Lokum. Photo: The Cooking Foodie
Otherwise known as Turkish Delight, this decadent dessert can be made in a range of flavours, from rosewater to mint to pomegranate. Although it’s known for its delicately chewy texture, Lokum is a vegetarian sweet and there are plenty of vegan recipes out there too. Here’s one of them.
If you do try one of these recipes, why not share your results on social media and tag us: Facebook and Instagram @concernworldwideuk, Twitter @ConcernUK - we’d love to see your creations!
